(Metro Creative Connection)

Lorain City Schools have a responsibility to implement responsible policies regarding the use of cell phones by students and staff during school hours.

Whatever policy the Lorain School Board decides to implement, not everyone will be happy with it.

Michael Scott, assistant superintendent of Lorain Schools, told school board members July 15 that as a result of the research and data collected from the district’s recent survey on cell phone accessibility and use, along with recommendations based on a “model school” policy established by the Ohio Department of Education, a ban on cell phone use and other personal communications during classes will likely be implemented.

The issue will be discussed at the Education Council meeting on July 29 and public input is encouraged.

Scott’s research shows that the more students use their mobile phones and spend more time on screens, the less engaged and connected they are in school.

This is not surprising, because using mobile phones can be distracting.

Research shows that use of the devices leads to learning disabilities, increased anxiety and depression levels, and other negative psychological disorders.

Scott pointed out that the district’s policy on cell phone use is already very restrictive.

But it is protective because it addresses privacy, intimidation and bullying.

Currently, students are allowed to use their devices before and after school, during lunch breaks, and between classes, as long as it doesn’t cause a distraction or disruption.

However, the district’s recommendations are based on the fact that cell phone use disrupts the learning environment and is therefore distracting and disruptive.

The district recommends that the devices not be used during the school day and be stored in a space provided by Lorain Schools.

District administrators are expected to draft the official policy text, administrative guidelines and the logistics of implementation.

The policy would apply to students in grades six through twelve, as there is already a policy in place for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

District leaders will create a uniform approach and system through which students entering sixth grade can receive education.

Each student received a bag.

At the beginning of the school day, students would put their phones in the case and store them in the locker. At the end of the school day, they would take them out again.

The bags and secure system are paid for by the district at a cost of $25 per student.

However, students are responsible for paying for a replacement if the bag is lost or damaged.

Failure to comply with the policy will result in disciplinary action to be determined.

The punishment should not be so severe that students are no longer allowed to return to class.

To ensure everyone adheres to the new policy, it must be clearly communicated and consistently enforced.

Scott wants to create good habits in students while giving teachers – and students – a fair chance in the classroom.

There is no doubt that students should be engaged with their teachers and not staring at their devices.

Students are at school to learn, gain knowledge and prepare for the future.

Scott is confident that the new policy will be a learning process for all involved, but that it will ultimately create a better environment for students, teachers and administrators and result in better outcomes in learning, discipline and understanding.

In May, the state announced that it would publish a model policy to minimize student use of cell phones during school hours.

Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 250.

It calls on every school district in the state to establish an official policy regarding cell phone use and emphasizes limiting cell phone use as much as possible.

All schools must implement a mobile phone policy by July 2025, ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.

The state believes that removing the distraction of cell phones in classrooms will help students develop better and improve their academic engagement and social interaction.

Schools that implement this model policy can achieve positive results by giving children a break from the constant notifications that have been shown to be detrimental to student performance and mental health.

The state’s model policy prohibits students from using cell phones or similar electronic communications devices on school grounds during school hours.

Whatever policy Lorain Schools has regarding cell phones, it is important that students learn in a safe environment and that this is paramount.